Log in to your ALEKS account by using your Lawrence username and password.
ALEKS placement assessment times offered in Spring 2025:
- Monday, May 12, 4:30pm (Briggs 422)
- Tuesday, May 13, 9:00am (Briggs 416)
If you have additional questions about ALEKS that are not answered by this webpage, please contact Liz Sattler.
ALEKS Basics - What You Need to Know
Your ALEKS account includes:
- Five assessments.
- Personalized Prep & Learning Modules to help you review content and strengthen your skills.
For new students:
- Your first ALEKS assessment should be taken online in Summer 2025 before your new student advising and registration meeting.
- All incoming students must take this initial online assessment, even if you don’t intend to take mathematics or physics classes at Lawrence.
- This initial assessment helps us understand your skills and provide the right support for your success at Lawrence.
- If you plan to take mathematics or physics courses at Lawrence, you must also take a proctored, in-person ALEKS assessment during Welcome Week.
- Your proctored score will determine your final course placement in mathematics and/or physics.
For returning students:
- We strongly recommend that you take your first ALEKS assessment online for practice.
After your first assessment:
- You will gain access to personalized Prep & Learning Modules to help you prepare for both a proctored assessment and your courses.
what do i need to know before my first online assessment?
We strongly recommend that you take your first online assessment under the same conditions as the on-campus proctored assessment (no personal calculator, textbook, notes, apps, etc.). This ensures an accurate score, helping identify topics to review in the Prep & Learning Modules.
do i need to take a proctored, in-person aleks assessment?
Lawrence University requires a proctored, in-person ALEKS placement assessment score to demonstrate readiness for the following courses:
- MATH 102: Foundations in Math: Proctored assessment required, no minimum score
- MATH 103: Preparation for Calculus: 45
- MATH 140: Calculus: 75
- MATH 155: Multivariable Calculus: 75
- MATH 200: Complex Sequences and Series: 75
- PHYS 141: Introduction to Physics I: 60
- PHYS 151: Introduction to Physics II: 75
We require these scores for all students, regardless of AP or transfer credit, to ensure that you are sufficiently prepared to succeed.
is aleks required for my major?
Only students who seek to enroll in the courses listed above must take the in-person, proctored ALEKS placement assessment. Below are some majors at Lawrence that require at least one of the courses listed above:
Why must I take the Placement Assessment?
We are requiring all incoming students to take an initial assessment to better understand your needs. This helps us provide the right resources to support your academic success at Lawrence. If you are planning to take a math or physics course at Lawrence, ALEKS will help you identify and fill in any gaps in your math background. Strengthening your understanding of foundational mathematics will boost your confidence, allowing you to focus on course content rather than prerequisite material.
Where do I take the initial assessment?
Please log in to your ALEKS account by using the ALEKS LOGIN button at the top of this page. Use your Lawrence username and password to sign in. You can begin your initial assessment whenever you are ready.
When do I take the initial Assessment?
New students must take an initial ALEKS assessment before your first summer advising and registration meeting.
Returning students are strongly encouraged to take an initial online assessment as soon as possible. We want you to have plenty of time to review and practice before a proctored assessment.
WHEN AND WHERE DO I TAKE A PROCTORED, IN-PERSOn ASSESSMENT?
New students can take a proctored ALEKS assessment during Welcome Week. Please see the schedule for specific time and location.
We offer proctored ALEKS sessions on the first day of each term at 4:30pm and during Week 7 (Monday 4:30pm, Tuesday 9:00am). The location will be updated on this website (top of page).
Is there a fee for taking the Placement Assessment?
No, your use of ALEKS placement is covered if you are a Lawrence University student.
Can I practice using the ALEKS tools before I take the Placement Assessment?
Yes! Before your initial assessment, you will complete a short tutorial on entering answers, using the ALEKS calculator, and graphing. If needed, click "?" for help without affecting your score.
WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED ON THE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT?
ALEKS is an adaptive system that covers a wide range of math topics. You may see some, but not all, of the math you learned in high school. Below is an overview of topics that may appear:
- Real numbers - Fractions, decimals, percentages, and proportions
- Equations and inequalities - Solving and graphing both linear and quadratic equations and inequalities
- Exponents and polynomials - Properties of exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring polynomials, and graphing polynomial functions
- Lines and systems - Slopes and equations of lines and solving systems of linear equations
- Functions and graphs - Domain and range, graphs of functions and their transformations, composition of functions, and inverse functions
- Rational expressions - Solving rational equations and graphing rational functions
- Radical expressions - Solving radical equations, higher roots, and rational exponents
- Exponentials and logarithms - Properties of logarithms, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, and graphing exponential and logarithmic functions
- Geometry - Perimeter and area, surface area and volume, and coordinate geometry
- Trigonometry - Right triangle trigonometry, the unit circle, graphing trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations
What if i don't know how to answer a question?
It is normal to see some questions on material you haven't learned yet. If you truly don’t know how to answer, click "I Don't Know." However, try your best on any question you recognize – there’s no penalty for incorrect answers.
How many questions will I be asked on the Placement Assessment?
The number varies, but you will receive no more than 25 questions.
What is the format of the questions?
The questions will be open response (not multiple-choice). You will need to work out solutions on paper before entering your answers in ALEKS.
Can I review or change my answers?
No. Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, it cannot be changed. Be sure to double-check before confirming your response.
Can I use a calculator?
ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator if you need one to solve a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator. Be aware that Lawrence University does not typically allow the use of a calculator in mathematics courses.
Can I use any other resources?
No. You may only use a pencil/pen, paper, and ALEKS tools. Getting outside help (friends, family, internet searches, textbooks, notes or apps) is a violation of the Lawrence University Honor Code and may result in placement into a course you’re not ready for.
How long does the placement Assessment take?
Most students take 1-2 hours, be we recommend setting aside 2.5 hours to avoid feeling rushed. Your initial online assessment has a time limit of 2.5 hours, but proctored assessments are not timed.
What if i need to stop during the initial assessment?
If you need to exit the placement assessment for any reason (including technical issues), ALEKS will save your progress as long as your return within the allotted time frame. If time runs out before you finish, you will have to restart.
What if I need accommodations?
Lawrence University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact Accessibility Services for more information about establishing eligibility and requesting accommodations.
Understanding the Placement Assessment Result
What does my Placement Assessment result mean?
Your placement assessment result is a number between 0 and 100. It reflects the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified that you have mastered - not just a percentage of correct answers.
- Score of 75+ → you are ready for the calculus sequence
- Score of 45+ → you qualify for MATH 103: Prep for Calculus
- Under 45 → you qualify for MATH 102: Foundations in Math
Where can I find my score?
Your score is displayed immediately after completing the assessment and remains available on your ALEKS dashboard.
can i retake the placement assessment?
Yes! Your highest proctored score will be used for placement. However, to retake the test, you must:
- Wait 48 hours before your next attempt.
- Spend at least 5 hours in your Prep & Learning Modules.
Using the Prep & Learning Modules
How long will I have access to my Prep & Learning Module?
You will have 12 months of access to your Prep & Learning Module.
Is there an additional fee for using my Prep & Learning Module?
No! The ALEKS Prep & Learning Modules are free for Lawrence University students.
What are Knowledge Checks?
While using Prep & Learning Modules, ALEKS will periodically give you a Knowledge Check to ensure you've mastered topics and retained what you've learned.
Does progress in my Prep & Learning Module count toward my score?
No. To officially improve your score, you must retake the placement assessment. However, working through your Learning Pie increases the likelihood of a higher score.
Technical Support
Where can I get help from Lawrence University?
Contact the Lawrence University Helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@lawrence.edu or calling 920-832-6570.
Where can I get help from ALEKS?
Contact ALEKS Support via email, phone, or live chat